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Initial trials indicate PharmAthene Anthrax vaccine potential

PharmAthene, Inc. announced on Monday that early trials of its Anthrax vaccine in animal models show it may be effective.

Immunovaccine, Inc., the compound's developer, reported that during their study, the recombinant Protective Antigen (rPA,) called DepoVax was effective in prevention of Anthrax with one dose. The study was conducted by the National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Allergy and infectious Diseases in their preclinical program.

"The development of next-generation Anthrax vaccines that can achieve protective immunity in fewer than three doses — less than the currently licensed anthrax vaccine, is an important priority for the United States government," said Eric I. Richman, president and CEO of PharmAthene.

"The potential for reduced dosing with rapid immunity, which these preliminary DepoVax™/rPA data suggest is possible, could yield substantial improvements in cost, convenience and effectiveness for the government," Richman said. "PharmAthene has demonstrated its ability to manufacture rPA bulk drug substance at commercial scale under Current Good Manufacturing Practices regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is pleased to be at the forefront of the development of improved, next generation vaccine options."

PharmAthene specializes in the development and commercialization of medical countermeasures, specifically in response to potential biological and chemical threats.